Alfred University held its first-ever commencement dedicated to graduate degree recipients on Friday evening, May 15. The university conferred 128 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees at a ceremony held in Miller Theater. The ceremony also recognized graduates who earned master’s degrees (51) and doctoral degrees (six) in August and December 2025 and January 2026.
Danielle Perry ’20, MS ’22, is hooded for her doctoral degree in materials science and engineering by Gabrielle Gaustad ’04 (left), dean of the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University, and her advisor, Anthony Wren, associate professor of biomaterials engineering. Perry, who earned her doctorate in December, was recognized during commencement ceremonies honoring graduate degree recipients on Friday, May 15.
“This is the first time we’ve had a separate ceremony for our master’s and doctoral students,” Mark Zupan, university president, said in opening the commencement. “We are pleased to shine a spotlight on our graduate degree recipients. It takes hard work, creativity and, most of all, persistence.”
Added Gabrielle Gaustad ’04, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering, which awarded 11 master’s degrees and three doctoral degrees “I’m thrilled we’re having this ceremony. We’re so happy to kick things off” for commencement weekend. The commencement for baccalaureate degrees recipients was held Saturday morning in the McLane Center.
Dominic Wilcox, from Cuba, NY, earned his MBA, after previously earning bachelor’s degree in marketing from Alfred University in 2024. Wilcox has been working the last two years full time as an admissions counselor while pursuing his MBA. Plans are to continue working another year in admissions before pursuing a career in business
Dominic Wilcox ’24 (right) with Mark Lewis, dean of the College of Business at Alfred University, after receiving the diploma for his MBA during commencement ceremonies honoring graduate degree recipients on Friday, May 15.
“I hope to work in a company dealing with marketing or analytics,” he said. “My dream job would be in anything with e-sports.”
What will Wilcox remember most about his time at Alfred?
“The connections I made here right away,” he said. “The professors were amazing. They truly care about every one of the students.”
Emma Suplicki, from East Concord, NY, also earned an MBA. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Alfred University in 2025. A member of the equestrian team while an undergraduate, Suplicki hopes to get a job that keeps her involved in horses.
“I’m trying to get into the equine business scene,” she commented. “I hope to go to law school and become an equine lawyer.”
Suplicki’s presentation at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Forum, “Legalities and Protections in the Equine Industry: The Thoroughbred V. The Quarter Horse,” studied the rules, laws, and regulations protecting Thoroughbred horses in the horseracing industry and Quarter Horses in the horse showing industry.
Emma Suplicki ’25 (right), with Adam D’Agostino (left), Alfred University Equestrian Program director and head Western equestrian coach, and Ashley Wyant (center), assistant Western coach, trainer and instructor, following commencement ceremonies honoring graduate degree recipients on Friday, May 15. Suplicki, who received an MBA on Friday, was a member of the Alfred University equestrian team as an undergraduate.
Among the experiences at Alfred Suplicki will cherish most are the friendships she made as part of the equestrian team and the opportunities she was given to thrive as a student. “I just had a wonderful time here,” she said.
Of the 128 master’s degrees conferred Friday, 10 were earned by students at the AUNY program at SUNY Corning Community College. In addition, 11 undergraduates who participated in the AUNY SUNY Corning program were awarded bachelor’s degrees at undergraduate commencement ceremonies Saturday. Eighty more master’s degrees will be awarded at the AUNY-NYC commencement in New York City on June 16.
Alfred University’s AUNY program offers non-traditional students—such those already established as professionals in their field, adult learners, commuters, or students wishing to pursue a degree part-time—the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees at a pace that fits their busy schedules. AUNY is a division of Alfred University’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies that offers classes at two off-campus locations: AU-NYC, with three convenient locations in the New York City metropolitan area, and AUNY Corning, in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York.
